Note that when using this table, if you change the ability scores of an NPC, you might have do adapt his CR, as stated on page 283. On page 282 specifically, there is a list of various races (including some monstrous ones) and their corresponding stat changes, so you get a quick overview instead of having to comb through the PHB. For more on racial traits, see the Player's Handbook.įurthermore, the DMG has a section on custom NPCs on pages 279-283. Adding racial traits to an NPC doesn't alter its challenge rating. For example, a halfling druid might have a speed of 25 feet and the Lucky trait. There are many easy ways to customize the NPCs in this appendix for your home campaign. On page 342 of the MM, in the 'Appendix B: Nonplayer Characters' chapter, there is a section about 'Customizing NPCs'. Yes - the MM and DMG give tips on adapting the stat blocks. It seems that, RAW, no changes are supposed to be made to these statblocks except those that are explicitly given, but I'm wondering whether there are any generic rules for NPC stat blocks that I've overlooked that state that such NPCs should be given the relevant ability score adjustments to match that NPC's race, or any other racial traits as per the Player's Handbook?

In the second case, a few changes are made, but not enough to be a fully fledged member of that race. In the former case, no changes are specified at all, only an alignment and a race. 237, but he's given his own unique stat block, so he doesn't count, although he is also notably missing wood elf specific traits like Mask of the Wild. It also doesn't mention ability score changes, such as the elves +2 to Dexterity or the wood elves +1 to Wisdom. 233 list the various changes to the mage statblock, including generic elf traits like darkvision and Fey Ancestry, but not wood elf specific traits like Mask of the Wild. The only example I know of (in Curse of Strahd, at least) of an NPC statblock given to a non-human race is: have dark skin and hair, but otherwise they are similar to wood elves (as described in the Player's Handbook).

Hiding behind the barrels is a wounded elf named Savid (N male dusk elf scout).Īlso, it's worth pointing out that (from p. Specifically, there is a character in the Curse of Strahd (p.

Racial bonuses dnd 5e